My Introduction to Aveda Hair Products and a “Datin” hair makeover

Aveda hair products are not new to me, as I’d heard about them before this but never used them. I used to see a small inconspicuous salon in Bangsar Village 2 but I did not know that they had been relaunched on a bigger scale in Pavilion KL, with a bright shiny new large store (or as they will have it, “experience center”) and a hair salon to come.

Interestingly, just before I met with the people from Aveda, I was having lunch with my blog designer who hails from the USA, and she told me that she had been using their products for a long time! In fact, she told me that Aveda does nice makeup products too! Hmm… I don’t think we get them here though.

What Aveda is more known for is their hair products. At least that’s what I know them for 🙂

The brand bases itself on Ayurvedic principles and uses botanical extracts in their products and essential oils and where possible, are supposed to be natural, SLS-free and are manufactured in an environmentally friendly factory. My experience with natural hair products has been rather touch and go. They just don’t seem as effective as the chemically laden ones, but I was assured that the Aveda products are very effective.

Have you tried any products by Aveda and would like to share your experience with them?

In fact, during the introduction to the brand, I was told that when the Aveda hair salon opens in a few months time, they would be offering colouring services using their natural hair colours.

The Aveda Full Spectrum Deep will be a natural based hair colour used by professionals to create a bespoke hair colour using naturally derived dyes which are supposed to be kinder to your hair but just as effective. I have to admit that the hair swatches on display was quite impressive, with colours ranging from bleached blonde to vibrant red. Red hair! Hmm… 😉

The Invati hair care range that you see right at the top is a range for people with problems with thinning hair, as it promises to help prevent hair fall, and give you thicker fuller hair. The key ingredients include turmeric and ginseng – does sound very invigorating doesn’t it? Imagine all that on your hair.

You can view the full range of hair products available from Aveda on their website and I was told that we will be getting most of them in 🙂 I found one more thing interesting – the Chakra Balancing Body Mists.

What these are, are body mists infused with essential oils ostensibly to balance your emotions and well-being depending on which chakra is off balance for the day. I was shown a few cards from where I chose a colour that appealed most to me. It turned out to correspond to Chakra 2 which is the center of vitality and sensation. It smelt of spicy sandalwood and citrus, which isn’t a combination of scents I usually go for, but on that day, it just smelt right.

Apparently it meant my Chakra 2 was off balance and the scent helped balance it so I was more alert. Hmm… Did it make me more alert? I don’t know, but it smelt nice and made me feel comfortable 😀 I do wish they came in a set of 7 little bottles so I could spritz on the scent depending on what I felt was off center for the day. It would be too pricey otherwise to buy a whole bottle of Chakra 2 only to find that after being balanced, I didn’t need it anymore. What a tragedy! 😛

Coming back to the hair, there are also Aveda styling products for different needs and I was told their new Be Curly Curl Enhancer range was good to help even straight hair hold a curl. Unfortunately it could not be demonstrated on me, thanks to my impossibly short hair, so all that I got was a “Datin” hair makeover 😀 For the benefit of international readers, my reference to “Datin” here would be to a titled socialite lady who generally has big well-coiffured hair because they have the time to spend at hair salons haha! Its about as close as I can translate it so feel free to elaborate if you like LOL! 😀 Apologies to any “Datins” who may be reading although I’m quite sure there aren’t any 😛

As you can see, my short hair was given texture and shape by stylist, Adrian using Aveda Control Paste which gives hair a piecey textured appearance that isn’t sticky. It was set with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray which is light and does not leave hair feeling “crispy”. You know what I mean right? When your hair feels more crispy than fried chicken, you know you have a problem 😛 It washes out quite easily though with regular shampoo so I was happy. I dislike it when I have to wash more than once to get product out of my hair (which is also why I don’t put in any to start 😛 )

Adrian promised me I could have a more dramatic “wild” look the next time around with my short hair so lets hold him to that shall we? 😉 I might even have to dress the part. I’m off to shop for a leather jacket now 😉

I’d love to know whats good from Aveda if you’ve tried anything from the brand.

It is a new brand to me, and I know that its available worldwide so I’m sure many of you savvy ladies would be more experienced than I am. So hit me up – what’s something I just HAVE TO TRY or what should I stay away from? 😉

Paris B

Aveda hair products are available at their store at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

My first ‘taste’ of Aveda shampoo was a small bottle of Rosemary Mint which was part of the bathroom kit in a hotel I stayed in, in Houston early last year. Using the shampoo made the shower smell really good (aromatherapy effect?)but it made my hair ‘stiff’. After a few days of using the product, my husband commented that my hair looked shiny, not the oily sort, but the nice shiny sort. And he NEVER (well not often) notices this sort of thing. I was sold from that point on. The only drawback at the time was that my hair felt stiff, even with the conditioner. Good thing that I happened to stay next to the Galleria and there was an Aveda shop on the top floor. The SA at told me that the stiffness is temporary because the shampoo is doing a total cleanup of the hair. I did not buy any from there as I know that there is an Aveda shop at Bangsar Village. They did not carry the full range though which was a bummer as my hair have special needs. I also tried their face mask and hair gel. I still use the hair gel which i like because it doesn’t give my hair that crispy texture. I cannot comment on the mask as I did not test drive it long enough.

Thanks for sharing your experience with Aveda, Ishi 🙂 You have me intrigued by your shiny hair! Do you still use Aveda shampoo then? Oh and I like how their hair gel doesn’t leave hair crispy. Seriously, it bugs me when normal hair gel does!

You look so cute Paris! I wish I can sport short hair, alas, it’s not meant to be. I am very familiar with Aveda and their products. I have been going to Aveda spas since I was in my teens (I can assure you that that was a LONG time ago) and I get my hair colored using the Aveda dyes. They are fabulous and are gentle for your hair. It also helps that my hair stylist is my HG, if you can call a person that, and I love him! I have long, very heavy, wavy hair with long layers and I use the Be Curly Style Prep to keep the waves smooth. I never blow dry, curl, flatiron, etc. and it really keeps my hair in check. The only issue with Aveda is if you are sensitive to fragrances, it may not be for you. However, they do have a great Sensitive skin care line. Also, I love their makeup and you purchase their makeup in pans to put into their sturdy palettes. The palettes comes in several sizes and you can mix and match the pans. I can put their powder foundation or pressed powder, blush and eyeshadows all in one palette for travel. The smallest palette can accommodate 4 shadows, or two blushes, or one powder/foundation AND a lipstick! The only thing is that their range of colors are small, with new limited edition shades each season.

Never be sorry for a long comment, Rose! Its very very helpful for most of us who are new to the brand and don’t know where to start. I tried growing out my hair once but I don’t have the patience so short hair it is for me! 😀 You have me really intrigued by their hair colour now. I rarely colour my hair because I dislike the chemical process associated with it, and how dry my hair feels thereafter, but if you say its gentle I’m going to believe you! Will see if I can try their services when the salon opens 😀

From my experience at my salon is that if you’re doing subtle color, highlights, or a demi-gloss (semi-permanent) you have less chemicals involved with the Aveda color. I do see the clients who are more aggressive with their hair (i.e. a brunette becoming blonde), then you will see the stylist break out with the heavy artillery! Having said this, I know Aveda is much gentler that a lot of hair color. I would suggest that if you are considering color, do a partial foil (highlights just on the top portion of your head) or an all over demi-gloss. I do a partial foil in the Spring/Summer and I do a demi-gloss in the Fall/Winter. I also never go more than 1-2 tones lighter than my natural color. I never feel like my hair is ever dry or crunchy and it’s shiny, especially after a demi-gloss.

I forgot to mention about the hair care. I love the shampoos but I feel that the conditioners do not give me enough “slip”. Since my hair is so thick, long and wavy, I really need a rich conditioner to help detangle my hair. I use Bumble & Bumble Super Rich and Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Nourishing conditioner and once a week I use the Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil hair mask. For hair that is a little finer or for short hair, I do recommend the Aveda conditioners. As for the Aveda styling products, I LOVE the Curl Control line and the Sun Care line. Saved my daughter’s hair last Summer!

Thank you for the tips and suggestions, Rose 🙂 you have me super curious about their colour and range now and I can’t wait for their salon to open, and to try the products! I used to colour my hair a lot but got lazy after a while to touch up roots. I had ombré hair before it was fashionable to have it! Lol

The first products from Aveda I tried was their rosemary mint shampoo + conditioner – that stuff smells amazing, reminds me a bit of Origins’ Peace of Mind. Can’t really remember why I never continued with it though. I wonder what their makeup range is like – so far I’ve only come across their lipglosses in Singapore, which aren’t half bad. 🙂

I should go and check out that Chakra Body Mist…sounds like something up my alley! 😀

I’ve never tried any product from Aveda. There’s an Aveda salon at my mall but I’ve only been in it once and the place didn’t stand out to me (I live in the States). I love your hairstyle so much, it’s similar to what I’ve had just a year ago except without the lovely volume you have at the back. I brushed my hair forward so it was like a boyish haircut; that way, I got extra layers to my already-layered hair.

Aww thank you Janessa! I have all this volume in my hair so short hair really does bring out the best in it, I’ve learnt which basically means there’s no turning back! 😀 Quite a few ladies have raved about how nice Aveda is for them – maybe you could try the salon near your house and let us know how you like it? 😉

Hi Paris, I was excited by your post as I just had a Aveda hair colouring done over the weekend. Perhaps a quick update on my hair type. I have medium length hair, permed at the ends and few whites sprouting from the roots. Because I had dye my hair black with a take home kit 3 months ago, the stylist need to bleach my hair out in order to change to a lighter hair colour. I am no stranger to bleaching out my dark hair to lighten it before changing the colour to a lighter shade of brown, but this time round, there was no tingly sensation, no itching like I was expecting from my prior experience. My hair looks shiny, glossy and feels soft. (even after 3 hrs of numerous washing, bleaching, dyeing & blow dry) I was sold and went home with 2 ranges of hair products, ‘repair’ and ‘colour conserve’. Shall see how well the colour will stay on and report back. The whole process costs me SGD300 exlcuding the products. Is it any cheaper in KL?

Hi Kris! Eee this is so exciting that you just tried their services! It sounds wonderful and I know just what you mean about the tingly sensation that comes with hair colour. I don’t like that, and don’t like the whole chemical process either so I haven’t coloured my hair in ages! Now you have be so curious about trying their colouring 😀 The salon here will open only in March 2013 I’m told so I’ll only know prices then but I hope it won’t be S$300 or I’d be broke 😛

I always wanted to try this brand but NEVER got the guts to. Maybe I was too disappointed with some brands I hv tried and just stick to wats best for me – Kiehls and Aesop. Maybe I shud Give this a try, the Shampoo and chakra thingy! Looks interesting now! Hehe

I’m such a creature of habit when it comes to hair products too. I just use what there is until its finished haha! But like you, I’m sorta intrigued enough to want to check out the products in store the next time I’m there 🙂

I have been using Aveda for a few years. Sorry this is going to be a long post. I’m a genuine person who use Aveda products not being paid by them to do this… hahaha…

My shampoo and conditioner of choice is always the rosemary mint. They smell really nice and relaxing, but at the same time not too heavy so you can use it regularly.

Recently (or not so recent), Aveda has this new range called “Stress Fix”, the colour hue is purple and I bought their Bath Salt range. IT was probably one of the most expensive bath salt i bought, but it smell so nice and it really help you relax in the bath…

I also use their perfume called LOVE. Again Aveda to me is more of a very relaxing and destressing type of product.

Occasionally when I am having a breakout, I use their embrightening cleanser (blue tube), I’m not a very savvy skincare expert but when i have issues, this cleanser seems to help me. In fact i go between this cleanser and the Tourmaline cleanser for really really getting that pores on my face clean. I do realise that if i used too much of these, it doesn’t help make my skin dryer and flakier…
But not to worry, when my skin gets really dry i use the balancing infusion. It’s a little oil serum bottle thing that smells so wonderful. They really are a good pick up for dry skin.

I also use their tourmaline cream, i think it’s a hydrating one. It works best in tropical condition or when I used to live near the ocean. Maybe it works well with humidity… But since I moved a few years ago to the middle of land masses and mountains with no ocean nearby… my skin gets dryer and dryer and this hydrating cream hadn’t been able to help me.

Other than that, I also like to collect their singular notes oil. My favourite is of course Lavender and Bergamot. You can mix them up.

Also Aveda has an oil burning range called Lavender Fleur i use to relax before bed.

Overall, Aveda is a very ayyuverdic type product like you said, its very relaxing and destressing for me after a hard day’s work.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of experience with their make ups even though i Do know that they have quite a collection. I’m a Dior Fan if it comes to make up…

A tip of two, instead of buying the Chakra mists. Get the singular note and mix one up yourself. You can get exactly what you want in a spray bottle, add water and a few drops of whatever note (or as many notes as you want) to make your “smell”.

Ah Noririn, this is wonderful! Not knowing anything about the brand or what to try, its great to have someone who has tried lots of products lead the way 😀 I must admit you have me most intrigued by the Rosemary Mint shampoo now because I wash my hair daily and this sounds absolutely lovely! Thank you so much for your suggestions and tips and input. I’m sure it helps not just me but everyone else too! 😀

PB, what I noticed most is YOU SLIM DOWN….gosh, I envy so much 🙂 anyway back to Aveda, I always wanted to try this brand, read many good things bout it, but I can’t get it in the place I live. But I am jotting down which one I am interest to be in my shopping list 🙂

hahaha Thank you Tuti but to be honest, it doesn’t feel like I have slimmed down! 🙁 Maybe its just good camera angles? but thank you anyway, you made my day! <3 You can check this out next time you come to KL 😀

Aveda used to carry makeup in Taiwan, but they stopped years ago (too much competition I think). I liked the couple of products they have for straight hair. They really did work for me! Here it’s not so easy to find the brand, but I think a couple of places carry it. I remember liking their aromatherapy stuff as well 🙂

Thanks for the suggestion, Wojis! I honestly never knew that Aveda did anything other than hair but I’ll have to see if they carry the face products here. Would be interesting to try them that’s for sure! You’ll know when I do 🙂

Beautiful! Love the hair makeover. So va va voom and stylo mylo 😛 Hahaha, the wild look with some leather biker chick stuffs! This is a new product to me, thank you for sharing. Granted, I am one of those lazy bums when it comes to hair care and products though I really should take more care as I have long hair. Gotta try Aveda when I have the chance.

Haha stylo mylo! 😀 I really should ask for a wild do next time around – even if I don’t have a biker jacket to go with it 😀 I’m a terribly lazy bum too when it comes to my hair. I just use the basic shampoo and conditioner and go. And I don’t even change brands up! >.<

I have a love hate relationship with Aveda. I’ve tried everything from their bodycare, skincare, haircare and even sensory care (if there is such a thing). I read about it in the early 90s when I could only window shop vicariously through foreign mags. I was most intrigued by their ‘coloured’ shampoo, especially the ones meant to tone down brassiness in grey or bleached hair. Although I suspect it isn’t sold in the local store. The formulas were cutting edge natural back then but many brands have caught up to the game. In fact, for natural skin and haircare, I like Intelligent Nutrients the best. Ironically, it is founded by the original founder of Aveda. I still enjoy the fragrances from Aveda products and the main things I’d get from are the sensory care products.

Tried their skincare before. Not a big fan. My skin doesn’t like it.
I’ve never tried their hair or makeup products though. Would definitely go to one of their salons here one day. 😉

The husband would only use Aveda hair clay from the men’s range for his hair styling purposes. Such a loyal customer, for 7 years already. He would even pay the crazy price in RM to get it in Msia. Whenever we’re in KL, he would stock up on it. I bet the store keeper must think that we’re crazy. LOL. Now that we’re back in the States, the price is easier to swallow. 😀

Its apt right? So Datin! That’s the first thing I said when I looked into the mirror LOL! 😀 Thanks for sharing about the skincare thing – I will have to see if they carry it locally but I will be wary too 😉

I use the Phomollient Styling Foam to give my flat, fine hair a boost every now and then (quite good for achieving “datin” like results) and the Volumizing Tonic which adds a subtle lift to the hair. A dear friend from the US would bring these for me every time she visits but I shop here now that Pavillion and Bangsar have outlets. I must try the shampoo that everyone has good things to say about!

My first experience of Aveda was small bottles of Rosemary Mint shampoo, conditioner, body shampoo and body lotion -which was part of the bathroom kit in a hotel I stayed in in 2011 when I was in Seoul, Korea (Westin Chosun) My hair was not stiff like Ishi’s but shiny and I love it 😀

The only negative effect on my hair was that if I do not use the conditioner in tandem with the shampoo, I get dry scalp 🙁

Until today, I am still using the Rosemary Mint body shampoo. Used to restock but since they have closed down their BV2 main branch, I did not bother restocking it. Anyhow, will still restock it when I get to Pavilion again (because I have utterly forgotten about Aveda after having a stroll at Club 21 etc..etc.. LOL!!)

Very datin right? Perfect for an afternoon tea haha! I have read so many recs for this Rosemary mint range I’m now super curious! I’ve never been lucky enough to stay n a hotel that provides Aveda stuff, but someday I hope to 😀

I’ll have to check out if Aveda is available here after reading many positive comments on it! 🙂

By the way, your Datin hair style is much much much chic-er and modern compared to the Datin-equivalent here. Have you seen before the massive hair-do of the refugee ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s wife (or ex-wife… oh well…)? :p Apparently here, the bigger (and taller) the hair-do, the more power you projects…

Oh do they practise the same perceptions of big hair in Indonesia too? That’s new to me. 🙂 The current Mrs. PM has a rather big hair-do too, but it’s sort of diminished among the huge diamond rings and over luxurious handbag she’s having on her… :p

p/s: I just realised I am not receiving follow up comments via email… maybe I have to subscribe to something on your blog?

p/s I turned off reply emails for a bit, but I’ve turned it back on selectively, so when you leave a comment, tick the box below the comment box that says you want to receive email replies and that should do it 🙂